Jakuchu's Lost Elephant (New Masterpiece Story Series)

[Hakugado's "New Masterpiece Story Series"] The "Masterpiece Story Series" was born from the desire to create an environment where children could easily experience authentic art. This picture book collection features large, vibrant images, and traces the lives of artists through easy-to-understand text alongside famous paintings. Since its first publication in 1992, it has been enjoyed by many families as an "art experience that can be enjoyed at home." Child education experts have also praised the series, saying, "It's especially important for children to know the real thing. Exposing children to great art from an early age will help develop their sensibilities." Starting with volume 21, the series has been redesigned to retain the spirit of the "Masterpiece Story Series," with a page count of just over 30 pages. It has been selected by the Japan Library Association/National Council of School Libraries and is recommended for use in school textbooks.

Series Introduction Page: https://www.hakugado.co.jp Series Introduction Blog: https://www.hakugado.co.jp/%e3%83%96%e3%83%ad%e3%82%b0

[Recommendation from Takashi Yanase] As a child, I loved art, so from a young age I grew up looking at the complete art collections in my father's study. However, they were all aimed at adults, so I couldn't understand the explanatory text. I wanted to know more about the artist's personality. I wanted to know what kind of person created this painting, but the technical details were difficult to understand. This "Famous Paintings Story Series" has large prints and vivid images, making it interesting enough for adults as well as children to read, and I think it triples the fun and enjoyment of looking at the paintings.

Volume 22, "Jakuchu's Lost Elephant" (B4 variant, 32 full-color pages) Ito Jakuchu was a legendary painter born in Kyoto during the Edo period, who continued to pursue new painting styles until his death at the age of 85. The "Elephant and Whale Screen" featured on the cover of this book is a massive piece, measuring 160 cm tall and 354 cm wide. Its whereabouts were unknown until it was exhibited at a museum in the fall of 2009. While marveling at the stunningly gorgeous flower and bird paintings and the innovative, gigantic Elephant and Whale Screen, which is hard to believe was painted over 200 years ago, this book delves into the mysterious life of Ito Jakuchu. This volume will allow both adults and children to fully enjoy the world of Jakuchu.